Torrent description

This premiere recording of six Vivaldi concertos is full of surprises. The works are entirely unknown because, unlike his other compositions, they were written not for publication but for substantial private commissions from wealthy patrons. Dating from his most mature years, they exhibit a style very different from his earlier concertos, which often sound almost mass-produced. Though they are still cast in the customary three movements and are full of the usual sequences, they are more unpredictable, dramatic, and daring; adventurous in form, harmony, and texture; with sudden contrasts of mood, character, and expression. The slow movements are meltingly beautiful, but no two concertos are alike, either in detail or overall effect. Some movements hardly seem to hang together; they appear to consist of collages of motives, punctuated by bursts of virtuosity.
The performance is equally unconventional. Giuliano Carmignola, as he demonstrated on his previous Vivaldi recording, is a formidable virtuoso who projects spontaneity, vitality, and expressiveness. In solo parts bristling with runs, often into the highest register, trills, double stops, and arpeggios, he displays breathtaking speed and facility, total command of every style of bowing and articulation, and a ravishing, powerful, infinitely variable tone. Except for the harpsichord, the orchestral instruments, tuned to normal pitch, hardly sound Baroque--their tone is full-blooded and varied. By using two harpsichords and a lute, conductor Andrea Marcon achieves percussive effects sometimes resembling gunshots, and the playing is by turns brilliant, lyrical, and exciting. ~ Edith Eisler

Late Vivaldi concerti are comparative rarities because the composer strictly limited manuscript publication, hence it's only now people are finally getting around to recording them. They are of very high quality and demonstrate Vivaldi developing a new style of composing, just as late Beethoven differs from his middle and early periods. The performances and recording are superb. I have over 80 Vivaldi CDs, and this is one of my very favorites. ~ Dr P. Dash

Clearly Giuliano Carmignola doesn't need a review from me on this masterly and gorgeous performance. But I have to weigh in here and say this album is nothing short of glorious. These are, of course, concerti by Vivaldi that I've never heard before and that adds to the immense pleasure of experiencing this album. I've now ordered every cd with the name Giuliano Carmignola on it. The Venice Baroque Orchestra directed by Andrea Marcon is incomparable. ---- If you've never tasted Vivaldi, begin here. If you know only the Four Seasons, prepare to be once again swept off your feet. This is an invaluable recording, and would make a superb gift for anyone who has not perhaps experienced the joys of baroque music. ---- After a difficult day, or when your mind won't shut down on its routine worries, put on this album and prepare to be resurrected. Music like this cleanses and the invigorates the brain and the soul. Like another reviewer here, I wish I could give it ten stars. ~ Anne Rice